What a hardship license is and who can get one
A hardship license in Illinois is a restricted driver's license that lets you drive during a suspension period for specific reasons — usually work, school, medical care, or court-ordered programs. You cannot use it for any other purpose. The state issues it through the Secretary of State's office, and it requires a formal request with documentation proving your hardship is real and necessary.
Illinois calls this a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) if your suspension is alcohol-related, or a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) for other suspensions. The rules and what you need to prove differ between the two, so knowing which one applies to you is the first step.
You can only get one if your license is currently suspended or revoked. If your license is still valid, you cannot request a hardship license. You also cannot get one if your suspension is for certain serious violations — the Secretary of State's office will tell you during your request whether your case qualifies.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois issues two types of hardship licenses: a Monitoring Device Driving Permit for alcohol-related suspensions and a Restricted Driving Permit for other suspensions, each with different requirements.
- You must submit a formal request to the Secretary of State with proof of your hardship (a job offer letter, school enrollment, medical appointment, or court paperwork) and pay a fee that varies by permit type.
- The Secretary of State's office reviews your request and decides whether to issue the permit; approval is not may provide and depends on whether your hardship meets their criteria.
- A hardship license restricts where and when you can drive — typically only for the specific purpose you listed, and only during certain hours or days.
- You must carry the permit with you whenever you drive, along with your regular ID, or you can be cited for driving without a license.
The difference between MDDP and RDP permits
If your suspension is for a DUI, reckless driving, or other alcohol-related offense, you need a Monitoring Device Driving Permit. This permit requires you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle — a breathalyzer that prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You pay for the device installation and monthly monitoring yourself, which typically costs $60 to $100 per month depending on the vendor.
If your suspension is for other reasons — unpaid tickets, failure to pay child support, medical suspension, or other non-alcohol violations — you need a Restricted Driving Permit. This permit does not require an ignition interlock device, but it does restrict your driving to specific purposes and times. The fee for an RDP is lower than for an MDDP.
To find out which type you need, contact the Secretary of State's Driver Services Department at 217-782-6900 or visit their office in person. They can tell you your suspension reason and which permit applies to your case.
Documents and proof you will need to submit
The Secretary of State requires different documentation depending on your hardship type. For work-related hardship, bring a signed job offer letter or a letter from your current employer on company letterhead stating that you need to drive for your job and the dates you need the permit. The letter should include your job title, work address, and the hours you typically work.
For school-related hardship, bring an enrollment letter or acceptance letter from the school showing your name, the program you are in, and the dates of your enrollment or expected graduation. For medical hardship, bring a letter from your doctor or medical facility stating that you need to drive to receive necessary treatment, along with the dates and frequency of appointments.
If your hardship is court-ordered — such as attending a substance abuse program or anger management class — bring a copy of the court order or a letter from the program administrator confirming your enrollment and the dates you must attend. You will also need to bring your current ID and proof of residence (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address).
How to request a hardship license
You can request a hardship license in person at any Secretary of State Driver Services facility or by mail. To find the office nearest you, visit cyberdriveillinois.com and search for "Driver Services locations." Call ahead to confirm their hours, as some offices have limited schedules.
If you go in person, bring all your documentation, your current ID, and a completed process form. The Secretary of State's office will have the form available, or you can read it from their website before you go. You will pay the fee at the time of your request — the amount depends on whether you are requesting an MDDP or RDP.
If you request by mail, send your completed process, copies of all supporting documents, and a check or money order for the fee to the address listed on the process form. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the Secretary of State can return your documents. Mail requests take longer to process than in-person requests, usually two to four weeks instead of one to two weeks.
What happens after you submit your request
The Secretary of State's office reviews your request to confirm that your hardship is genuine and that you meet the criteria for a hardship license. They check whether your suspension reason allows for a hardship permit and whether your documentation supports your claim. This review typically takes one to two weeks if you applied in person, or two to four weeks if you applied by mail.
If your request is approved, the Secretary of State will issue your permit and mail it to you, or you can pick it up in person at the office where you applied. The permit will list the specific purposes you are allowed to drive for, the days and hours you can drive, and any other restrictions. Read it carefully before you drive, because driving outside these restrictions can result in another citation.
If your request is denied, the Secretary of State will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial include insufficient documentation, a hardship that does not meet their criteria, or a suspension type that does not may have access to for a hardship permit. If your request is denied, you can request a hearing to appeal the decision, but you must do so within a certain timeframe — the denial letter will tell you the important date.
Restrictions on where and when you can drive
Your hardship license will specify the exact purposes you can drive for — for example, "to and from work only" or "to and from medical appointments and work." You cannot use the permit for any other reason. If you are stopped by police and you are driving for a purpose not listed on your permit, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license.
The permit will also list the days and hours you are allowed to drive. For example, you might be permitted to drive Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., but not on weekends or after hours. Some permits allow 24-hour driving for medical emergencies or court-ordered programs, but this is less common.
You must carry your hardship license with you at all times when you drive, along with your regular ID and proof of insurance. If you are stopped and cannot produce the permit, you can be cited for driving without a license, even though you have the permit — the citation happens because you did not have it with you.
How long the permit lasts and what happens when it expires
The length of your hardship license depends on your suspension length and the reason for your hardship. Some permits last a few months, while others last a year or longer. The permit itself will show the expiration date. When it expires, your license remains suspended unless you have completed the requirements to have your suspension lifted.
If you need to continue driving after your permit expires, you can request a renewal by submitting a new process with updated documentation showing that your hardship still exists. For example, if you requested the permit for work, you would submit a new letter from your employer confirming you still work there and still need to drive.
If your suspension is lifted before your permit expires, you do not need the hardship license anymore and can drive normally with your regular license. Contact the Secretary of State to confirm when your suspension ends so you know when you are may be able to access to have your license reinstated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive anywhere I want on my hardship license, or only to the place listed?
You can only drive to and from the specific place or purpose listed on your permit. If your permit says "work only," you can drive to work and back home, but not to the grocery store, a friend's house, or anywhere else. Driving outside these restrictions is a violation and can result in another citation.
What if I lose my hardship license or it gets damaged?
Contact the Secretary of State Driver Services Department to request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee and may need to visit an office in person or submit a request by mail. Bring your ID and explain what happened to your original permit.
Can I get a hardship license if I owe child support or have unpaid tickets?
Yes, but your suspension reason must be the unpaid tickets or child support, not something else. You will need to provide proof that you have a legitimate hardship — such as a job you need to drive to — and documentation of that hardship. The hardship permit does not erase the debt; it only allows you to drive while you work to resolve it.
Do I need an ignition interlock device if I get a Restricted Driving Permit?
No. An ignition interlock is only required for a Monitoring Device Driving Permit, which is for alcohol-related suspensions. If you have a Restricted Driving Permit for another reason, you do not need the device.
What if my employer will not write me a letter for my hardship license?
The Secretary of State requires written documentation from your employer or school to prove your hardship is real. If your employer refuses to write a letter, you may not be able to get a work-related hardship permit. You can contact the Secretary of State to ask whether other forms of documentation might work in your situation.